Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton
Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems

Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton

Southampton Full-Time 36000 - 60000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
Ocean Infinity

At a Glance

  • Tasks: Lead marine operations and autonomous systems, ensuring safety and quality standards.
  • Company: Innovative company transforming marine operations with cutting-edge technology.
  • Benefits: Competitive salary, inclusive culture, and opportunities for personal and professional growth.
  • Why this job: Join a team disrupting traditional industries and making a positive impact on the planet.
  • Qualifications: Experience in marine operations and strong technical skills in autonomous systems.
  • Other info: Dynamic work environment with a focus on safety, collaboration, and continuous improvement.

The predicted salary is between 36000 - 60000 £ per year.

We are using and creating technology to transform operations at sea to enable people and the planet to thrive. We are open-minded and fearless in our approach to innovation and don’t believe in boundaries. We challenge everything and have massive ambitions to drag aging industries into the tech era. We take safety, equality and education very seriously, and our responsibilities don’t stop at our front door. Our business is built on the belief that there’s definitely a more environmentally responsible way to operate at sea. We employ people who share our core values. We expect our people to be courageous, trustworthy, and conscientious, driven by a desire to do the right thing. We strive for excellence, work collaboratively, and are genuinely excited by our work. We offer opportunities for our people to develop beyond their role and span a multitude of disciplines. These are open to all, regardless of background and experience level.

Working with us means being part of a team that is harnessing technology and creativity to disrupt a traditional industry. We’re looking for a Field Lead to join our Solutions business unit to provide hands-on leadership across marine operations involving autonomous systems, including AUV missions, wider marine activities, trials and demonstrations, and mobilisation/demobilisation. The role ensures systems, people, and processes are field-ready and delivered to high safety and quality standards. This position works in close partnership with the Lead AUV Pilot: the pilot retains piloting authority and standards, while the Field Lead owns broader marine operations, survey sensors, and data workflows. The role is suited to an experienced field operator with strong technical acumen, calm decision-making in dynamic environments, and a collaborative, team-centred mindset.

What You Will Be Doing

  • Lead planning, preparation, and execution of AUV and wider marine operations.
  • Oversee mobilisations, demobilisations, and overall system readiness/compliance.
  • Act as senior field operator, coordinating multi-disciplinary teams and stakeholders.
  • Drive operational safety, risk management, incident prevention, and improvement.
  • Plan and lead trials, rehearsals, and stakeholder demonstrations.
  • Coordinate on-site execution with pilots, engineers, logistics, and vessel teams.
  • Capture field issues and lessons learned, ensuring corrective actions are closed.
  • Maintain and improve operational procedures, checklists, permits, and records.
  • Provide senior technical oversight, troubleshooting, and validation of autonomy systems and sensors.
  • Coach technicians and junior staff while representing operational needs across teams.

Who You Are

  • Significant experience in marine operations, autonomous systems, or hydrographic/survey field delivery.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead field activities and multi-disciplinary teams in dynamic environments.
  • Strong technical understanding of AUV systems, autonomy behaviours, PNT, and survey sensor payloads.
  • Proven capability to manage survey data workflows, including acquisition quality and traceable handover.
  • Strong safety leadership: risk assessment, hazard management, incident response, and prevention.
  • Effective communicator able to brief teams, document findings, and represent field operations clearly.
  • Ability to meet recognised medical fitness requirements for marine operations (e.g., ENG1 or equivalent), with reasonable adjustments considered.

Desirable

  • Experience in customer demonstrations, technical trials, or field validation activities.
  • Familiarity with hydrographic QC processes and survey software/toolchains.
  • Marine/offshore safety certifications (Sea Survival, PST, First Aid, HUET, etc.).
  • Full UK driving licence; willingness to travel and work irregular hours to meet vessel or trial windows.
  • Exposure to autonomy verification and validation processes.
  • Hydrographic CAT A or CAT B training, or relevant equivalent exposure.

Salary

The salary varies for this position as we are recruiting in multiple regional locations and job grades. The salary process is based on skills, abilities, and experience required.

What You Can Expect

At Ocean Infinity, we believe in creating equal opportunities for all, celebrating each and everyone’s differences. We are driven by transforming the industry, through our technology, thoughts, behaviours and actions. Being inclusive and respectful to all is fundamental to who we are. It is the right thing to do and enables innovation and creativity to thrive. There is more work to be done, and we know that we aren’t perfect, but our commitment to these values is unwavering. They are central to our mission and the impact we have on the industry, meaning, we cannot live without them.

Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton employer: Ocean Infinity

At Ocean Infinity, we are not just transforming marine operations; we are redefining what it means to work in a forward-thinking, inclusive environment. Our commitment to safety, equality, and continuous learning ensures that every employee has the opportunity to grow and innovate, making a real impact on both people and the planet. Join us in a dynamic workplace where your contributions matter, and together, we can challenge the status quo in the maritime industry.
Ocean Infinity

Contact Detail:

Ocean Infinity Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton

Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Get out there and connect with people in the marine operations and autonomy systems field. Attend industry events, join relevant online forums, and don’t be shy to reach out on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings!

Tip Number 2

Show off your skills! When you get the chance to meet potential employers or team members, make sure to highlight your experience with AUV systems and marine operations. Share specific examples of how you've led teams or tackled challenges in dynamic environments.

Tip Number 3

Prepare for interviews by researching the company’s values and recent projects. Since we’re all about innovation and environmental responsibility, think about how your background aligns with these goals. Bring your ideas to the table – we love fresh perspectives!

Tip Number 4

Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in being part of our mission to transform marine operations.

We think you need these skills to ace Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton

Marine Operations
Autonomous Systems
AUV Systems
Technical Acumen
Risk Management
Incident Prevention
Data Workflow Management
Effective Communication
Team Leadership
Problem-Solving
Safety Leadership
Hydrographic Surveying
Field Operations Coordination
Technical Oversight
Training and Coaching

Some tips for your application 🫡

Show Your Passion for Innovation: When writing your application, let us see your excitement for transforming marine operations with technology. Share examples of how you've embraced innovation in your past roles and how you can bring that fearless attitude to our team.

Highlight Your Leadership Skills: As a Field Lead, you'll be coordinating multi-disciplinary teams. Make sure to showcase your experience in leading teams, especially in dynamic environments. Use specific examples to demonstrate your ability to drive safety and operational excellence.

Be Clear and Concise: We appreciate straightforward communication. When detailing your experience and skills, keep it clear and to the point. Avoid jargon unless it's relevant, and make sure your application is easy to read and understand.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the best way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for the role. Plus, it shows you're keen on joining our innovative team!

How to prepare for a job interview at Ocean Infinity

Know Your Tech

Make sure you brush up on your knowledge of AUV systems and autonomy behaviours. Be ready to discuss specific technologies you've worked with and how they relate to the role. This shows you're not just familiar with the tech, but that you can lead operations effectively.

Safety First

Given the emphasis on safety in marine operations, be prepared to talk about your experience with risk management and incident prevention. Share examples of how you've handled safety challenges in the past, as this will demonstrate your strong safety leadership.

Team Player Mindset

This role requires collaboration across multi-disciplinary teams. Think of instances where you've successfully led or worked within a team, especially in dynamic environments. Highlight your communication skills and how you ensure everyone is on the same page during operations.

Prepare for Scenarios

Expect to be asked about how you'd handle specific field situations or challenges. Prepare some scenarios from your past experiences where you had to make quick decisions or troubleshoot issues. This will showcase your calm decision-making under pressure.

Field Lead – Marine Operations & Autonomy Systems in Southampton
Ocean Infinity
Location: Southampton

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